Update: Man Shot by Police Near Club Pierre Found Guilty

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- The jury deliberated for just 45 minutes before finding Jacoby Hart guilty on all charges.

Hart was found guilty of aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, discharging a firearm in public, and possession of firearm by a convicted felon.

Hart did take the stand to testify in his own defense, prosecutors say. He was the only witness called by the defense.

Hart will be sentenced on March 12th.

UpdateMarch 5, 2015 6:20pm

TALLAHASSE, Fla. -- Jacoby Hart has been found guilty on all charges.

By: Julie MontanaroMarch 5, 2015 - 10:30 a.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- Officer Derek Braxton testified that he chased Jacoby Hart the length of a football field and a half before firing at him.

Officer Braxton testified he was working off duty at Club Pierre when he heard "4,5,6 gunshots" in the parking lot and saw the muzzle flashes.

He testified that he and Officer Jason Ravenell started to chase the man with gun down Polk Drive toward South Monroe Street yelling "Drop the gun! Police!"

Officer Braxton said during the chase, Hart looked over his shoulder as he ran and raised his right arm with the gun still in his hand.

"I started fearing for my life," Braxton testified, and fearing for the other officer's life.

Braxton says he stepped to the side and fired four shots.

Officer Jason Ravenell testified that during the chase he saw Hart turn with the gun in his hand. He testified he stopped and yelled "Gun!" and Officer Braxton fired at Hart almost immediately.

Officer Ravenell testified he did not fire because Officer Braxton had already shot Hart. He said Hart was already falling to the ground and he felt it would have been excessive to fire his gun. When asked if he would have shot Hart if Officer Braxton had not, he said "Yes."

By: Julie MontanaroMarch 5, 2015 - 9:30 a.m.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- A Tallahassee man shot by police outside a nightclub last summer is now on trial.

Jacoby Hart is accused of firing a gun in public and aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer.

Just as the trial was set to start, Hart asked the judge for a new attorney, but the judge said no.

Opening arguments are expected to begin momentarily.

UPDATEDBy Julie MontanaroJune 19, 2014

Jacoby Hart - who was shot in a confrontation with Tallahassee Police near Club Pierre early Sunday morning - has been released from the hospital and taken to jail.

His booking photo shows him in a hospital gown sitting in a wheelchair.

Booking records show that Hart is now charged with firing a weapon in public, assault on an officer and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Those charges are in addition to charges that he violated his probation on previous charges of battery and grand theft.

Arrest papers say officers confronted Hart at gunpoint and ordered him to drop his gun, but Hart took off running instead with the gun in his hand.

Arrest papers say when Hart crossed South Monroe Street, he turned and pointed a gun at the officers and one of them fired several shots.

Hart has been under armed guard at Tallahassee Memorial while recovering.

Arrest papers say Hart later told investigators he didn't have a gun in his hand while he was running, but had one tucked in his waistband.

He says he initially didn't realize police were behind him. He says he heard them say "Stop" and then heard several gunshots. He says he felt a burning sensation in his legs and fell.

It's the third such instance in a little less than six weeks. Chief DeLeo said his officers opening fire on suspects is part of a much larger issue.

"We are averaging five shooting incidents a week and the incidents involving the officers from the last month and a half are a by-product of the increased gun violence that we are experiencing," said Chief DeLeo.

The latest suspect wounded by TPD officers is Jacoby Hart. His mother feels there's a racial component to the recent officer shootings.

"Like everybody say you don't really ever think that’s going to happen to your child, But they don't know until it really happens to your child and it just looks like to me they’re shooting too many black males, They're just shooting them," said Hart’s mother Alberta Drinkard

To combat community violence, Chief DeLeo is hoping to bring the city together later this week.

"It's something that we need to come together with work together and find try to find a solution to that end we have a town hall meeting scheduled with pastor Rudy Ferguson at New Birth Tabernacle," said Chief DeLeo.

That town hall meeting will take place Thursday at 6:00 p.m. and TPD encourages anyone to attend.

UPDATE 4:34 p.m.By: James Buechele

TPD has released the name of the suspect that was shot in this morning's shootout. Jacoby Hart, 24, from Tallahassee remains in stable condition under guard at a local hospital.

Investigators from TPD Violent Crimes Unit and Forensics Unit responded to the scene from early Sunday morning. Physical evidence recovered from the scene and witness testimony indicate that the suspect fired multiple gunshots.

TPD says the investigation remains open. Chief Michael DeLeo has placed the two officer involved in the shooting on paid administrative leave, which is standard protocol. The two officers are Derek Braxton and Jason Ravenel.

When asked about this latest shooting, Chief DeLeo responded, "I am very concerned with the violent crime we are experiencing. I am reaching out to our community partners to develop a comprehensive approach to this challenge. I am grateful that no bystanders or officers were injured during this incident. I am asking that any witnesses to this incident please contact TPD so we can ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted".

Hart had active warrants for multiple charges including a violation of probation for battery and grand theft. He now faces charges of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and discharging a firearm in public. Additional charges are pending.

Just before 2:00 a.m., TPD officers were called to 242 East Orange Avenue at Club Pierre for gun shots in the area. Officers approached a male suspect that they thought was involved.

Officers say the suspect resisted and ran on foot. TPD officers chased the man and at least one officer fired hitting the suspect.

Officers immediately started performing first aid. The suspect was taken to a local hospital and is listed in critical condition. No officers or bystanders were injured as a result of Sunday morning's incident.

Officer Scott Beck says the crime scene is very large and forensic units were sweeping the area.

Portions of Monroe Street were blocked off from Orange Avenue up to the south town parking lot.

News Release: Tallahassee Police DepartmentJune 15, 2014 - 4am

On June 15, 2014 at approximately 1:50am, Tallahassee Police Officers were working a detail at 242 East Orange Avenue (Club Pierre) and responded to gun shots in the area.

Officers encountered a male suspect who they believed was involved. The suspect resisted the officers commands and fled from them on foot.

The officers gave chase and during the attempted apprehension, at least one officer fired at the suspect striking him.

The suspect was subsequently taken into custody and officers immediately began rendering first aid. The suspect was transported to a local hospital and is currently in critical condition.

No officers or bystanders were injured as a result of this incident.

The investigation is ongoing at this time and updated information will be released when available.

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